How do you get bed bugs?

The common bed bug is a small, reddish-brown insect. Bed bugs are oval-shaped with flattened bodies.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals to survive. Unlike some parasites, such as fleas or lice, bed bugs do not live on their hosts but only visit them to feed. Bed bugs are most active at night. Their bite is similar to being bitten by a mosquito it is painless and may results in a small, red, itchy bump. However, many people have no reaction at all.

Bed bugs cannot fly and prefer to hide close to their hosts when not feeding. They can be found in apartments, hotels, homes, shelters, and student dormitories. Bed bugs can also hide on clothing or in luggage when you travel and can be brought to places like your home or hotel.

Reports of bed bug problems have been on the rise. The increase in bed bugs is thought to be the result of changes in modern pest control practices including the use of insect specific baits and gels, which do not work for bed bug control. In addition, more people are traveling abroad increasing the chance of bringing the insect back in their luggage.